Barton Gold Holdings has commenced diamond drilling at its Tolmer prospect, unveiling some of the highest-grade silver and gold intersections globally in 2025. This program aims to deepen structural understanding and unlock further exploration potential across a 1.5km mineralised footprint.
- Diamond drilling initiated at Tolmer prospect within Tarcoola Gold Project
- March 2025 hole ranked 5th highest-grade silver intersection globally in H1 2025
- High-grade silver up to 17,600 g/t and gold up to 83.6 g/t identified
- Mineralised footprint extended to approximately 1.5km wide
- Soil sampling underway to complement drilling and refine targeting
Diamond Drilling Commences at Tolmer
Barton Gold Holdings Limited (ASX, BGD) has officially started diamond drilling at its Tolmer prospect, part of the broader Tarcoola Gold Project in South Australia. This marks a significant step in exploring one of the most promising gold and silver discoveries in the region, with an initial program targeting structural features that could control mineralisation.
The drilling program, comprising three holes totaling approximately 550 metres, focuses on the 'eastern gold zone' of Tolmer. The goal is to better understand the geological structures that have given rise to exceptionally high-grade mineralisation, potentially guiding future, more targeted exploration efforts.
World-Class Grades Highlight Potential
The Tolmer discovery has already made headlines with a March 2025 drill hole delivering one of the highest-grade silver intersections globally for the first half of the year, 6 metres at 4,747 grams per tonne silver from just 46 metres depth. Complementing this, gold assays have revealed grades up to 83.6 grams per tonne, underscoring the prospect's dual precious metal potential.
Recent reverse circulation drilling has expanded the known mineralised footprint to about 1.5 kilometres wide, revealing multiple horizons of broad, shallow, high-grade gold and silver mineralisation. These include a 'western silver zone' with silver grades reaching as high as 17,600 grams per tonne and associated gold values up to approximately 13 grams per tonne.
Strategic Regional Development
Barton’s Managing Director, Alexander Scanlon, emphasised Tolmer’s strategic importance, situated between the company’s existing Central Gawler Mill and the planned Tunkillia mill. He highlighted the potential for Tolmer to significantly enhance Barton’s regional development strategy, given the exceptional grades and the proximity to existing infrastructure.
Understanding the structural controls through diamond drilling is critical, as it will help Barton refine its exploration targeting and potentially accelerate resource definition. This is particularly important given the complex nature of the mineralisation, which includes both gold and silver in overlapping zones.
Complementary Soil Sampling Program
In parallel with drilling, Barton completed a soil sampling program over a roughly 1.9-kilometre area surrounding the Tolmer discoveries. Approximately 430 samples were collected, with assay results expected in September 2025. This geochemical data will provide additional insights into the extent and controls of mineralisation, further informing exploration planning.
Looking Ahead
While the initial results are highly encouraging, Barton remains cautious as the origin of some of the high-grade mineralisation remains unconfirmed. The company’s ongoing work aims to clarify these geological complexities and unlock the full potential of Tolmer. Investors and analysts will be watching closely for upcoming assay results from the diamond drilling and soil sampling programs, which could redefine the scale and quality of this exciting discovery.
Bottom Line?
Tolmer’s diamond drilling program is poised to unlock critical structural insights that could transform Barton Gold’s regional growth trajectory.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the diamond drilling confirm the structural controls behind the exceptional grades at Tolmer?
- How might the new soil sampling data influence future exploration targets and resource estimates?
- What timeline can investors expect for updated resource models and potential production plans?